Indian musical gem AR Rahman, one of the most successful musicians in the world recently opened up about his struggles with suicidal thoughts. Speaking with students of the Oxford Union debating society, the musician opened up about spirituality and mental health, sharing his mother Kareema Begum's words that helped him.
If you are also struggling with depression, poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts, here are 5 celebrities who opened up about their struggles that may inspire you.
AR Rahman
Sharing the beautiful advice from his mother which helped him get over his suicidal thoughts at a young age, AR Rahman said, "When I had suicidal thoughts when I was young, my mother used to say, ‘When you live for others, you won’t get these thoughts’. That’s one of the most beautiful advice I got from my mother."
He explained, “When you live for others and are not selfish, there’s a meaning to your life. Whether you’re composing for somebody, writing for something, buying food for a person who can’t afford it, or just smiling at someone, these are the things that keep us going.”
Speaking about the power of hope to get through tough times, AR Rahman shared the importance of being patient as something extraordinary could be waiting for us in the future.
Deepika Padukone
Among all celebrities, Deepika Padukone has the biggest contribution towards destigmatising and opening up the conversation about mental health struggles. Talking about her own fight with depression, she revealed that what helped her was finally accepting that she had a problem.
Inspiring others to protect their mental health, she said, “Realise that you are not alone, that we are in this together and most importantly that there is hope. Ups and downs are a part of one’s life, and this depends on how you take it. You can either be knocked down by the negative things. Or you can take it in a positive and learn from it”.
Anushka Sharma
Anushka Sharma has always been candid about her personal and professional life, and often takes her struggles in a stride, with a sense of sportsmanship to her approach. Similarly, showing her resilience in the face of her fight against anxiety, she shared in a 2015 interview, “I have anxiety. And I’m treating my anxiety. I’m on medication for my anxiety. Why am I saying this? Because it’s a completely normal thing.”
Advocating for the need to destigmatise mental health problems, and not think of them as a scandalous topic, she added, “More and more people should talk openly about it.”
Karan Johar
In a recent episode of Koffee with Karan, the respected film producer and director opened up about his recent diagnosis. He shared how the isolation brought on by the pandemic, and being subjected to trolling could be possible reasons for his poor mental health.
Sharing that the main issue that exacerbated his condition, he said “I didn't realise that I was trying to be tough and resilient and brush things under the carpet. The legit attack I had was at the NMACC launch. I was sweating, I didn't even realise. And my hands were shaking. I thought I was getting a heart attack.”
He added, “I just went to my bed and I wept. I just cried and I didn't know why I was crying.” However, now he is well after consulting a psychologist who put him on medication.
Manisha Koirala
Lastly, the veteran actress who has also survived ovarian cancer has also struggled with depression. Explaining her struggle with depression and how she gets through it, the actress said in an interview, “There have been times when I’ve broken down and done all those horrible things you do when you’re depressed. And while I give in to my sorrow and cry like hell, there’s also an awareness that this too shall pass.”
Poor mental health can be a debilitating issue for people as the topic is still shrouded in misinformation and stigma. However, these inspiring journeys can act as a motivating factor for you that there is help available and you too can achieve recovery from your illness and tough times.
SUICIDE HELPLINE INFO
If you need support or know someone who does, do not hesitate or delay seeking for help. You are not alone.
Helplines: iCALL: 9152987821; Aasra: 022 2754 6669; Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050 and Sanjivini: 011-24311918